prominent, chased leader after 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, not fluent and headed soon after last, no extra flat
prominent, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out
led to after 2nd, led 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon headed, one pace after
mid-division, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
held up last, lost touch 3 out, never on terms
mid-division, ridden 3 out, weakened after
with leader, led after 2nd to 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up, not fluent 1st, chased leaders on bit after 3 out, veered right approaching 2 out, challenged and shaken up last, led soon after, driven out, readily
mid-division, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
Any market support for newcomer James De Vassy should be noted, however a drop in trip could see an improved performance from Martin Hill's BEAT THE SYSTEM and he gets the vote ahead of Princeful, Moleskin and Spirit Of Man. Princeful must be interesting given the style of his win at Fakenham last time when he comfortably beat Gabreselassie in a race that was run to suit. He is still open to improvement however a 6lb penalty means that he probably needs to. Instead then we side with Beat The System who got tired last time at Taunton over a longer trip. The drop in distance today will suit and as his trainer doesn¿t send many to the track, a big run looks on the cards. Moleskin represents a yard who have been out of action for a while and this gelding would be interesting if firing on all cylinders; his run behind Award Winner at Exeter in November looks solid but he is held behind the selection on their bumper clash in April of last year. Spirit Of Man returns from a period off the track. His stable are in slightly better form now and he ran a much better race on his second hurdles start at Stratford when a runner-up behind National Trust (now rated in the mid 120's). The Arsonist was a no-show in a hot race last time but this looks easier, however it is Beat The System who can lead them home.
Princeful (FR) 6-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, always travelling well, led 2 out, stayed on strongly, won at Fakenham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs beating Gabreselassie (11-5) by 4l, 12 ran.
Beat The System 50-1 (11-1) Chased leader, ridden and led briefly 7th, weakened 3 out, 6th of 14, 48l behind Chariot Charger (11-9) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) gs.
Moleskin (IRE) 16-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, ridden and some progress after 7th, no further impression from next, 8th of 17, 27l behind Award Winner (10-12) at Exeter 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) gs in Nov.
Southfield Hall (IRE) 200-1 (11-4) Prominent, ridden 5th, weakening when mistake and unseated rider 3 out in race won by Pepite De Soleil (10-9) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs, 11 ran.
Spirit of Man (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Held up, steady headway from 7th, ridden to chase winner after 3 out, hit 2 out, stayed on flat, 2nd of 14, 2l behind National Trust (11-1) at Stratford 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) gs in Mar '07.
The Arsonist (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, lost touch 4 out, tailed off, 11th of 16, well behind Mad Max (11-5) at Newbury 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft.
Orana Conti (FR) 100-1 (10-8) Prominent, ridden 3 out, lost place when blundered last, kept on one pace flat, 4th of 10, 22l behind Special Occasion (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Play A Cord (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Always rear division, lost touch final 3f, tailed off, 11th of 14, well behind Tara Taylor (11-2) at Folkestone 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) gs.
James de Vassy (FR) Lavirco gelding out of Provenchere.
Keepholdin (IRE) 150-1 (10-12) Chased winner, hampered 3rd, soon no chance, tailed off, 5th of 8, well behind Pepite De Soleil (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
